Blockchain laws are emerging in many countries, including the U.S. Congress. Some governments, like Russia, are concerned about the power of cryptocurrency and the shift towards decentralized economies. In response, some countries have banned the use of Bitcoin. However, other countries are still looking into how to regulate this new technology. Insider Intelligence has identified the key blockchain laws that govern this industry in the U.S., Europe, and other parts of the world.
States are considering new laws that may govern this technology, but most of the regulatory action has been in the legislative branch. For instance, in Wyoming, the state has passed 13 new cryptocurrency laws in 2019, paving the way for other states to follow suit. In many ways, Wyoming’s legislation is the “Delaware of digital assets law,” with many benefits over other states. So, it is a good place to invest in cryptocurrencies.
Although blockchain is still a new technology, it is already being regulated. According to a recent report from Global Legal Insights, many countries have left the decision to their own discretion. While some countries have adopted their own laws to regulate the technology, others have remained neutral. In general, though, most governments are striving to balance innovation and protection. In this year alone, Hawaii is looking to pass blockchain and cryptocurrency legislation. Other states evaluating this technology include Connecticut, Vermont, Virginia, and Maryland.
As blockchain continues to gain traction in society, regulators will be forced to find ways to keep pace. Some countries have already begun providing private law frameworks for transactions on the blockchain. France and Liechtenstein have already passed their first acts, while Switzerland has amended their Code of Obligations to protect their citizens. Some states are going their own way, while others are adopting the Uniform Law Commission model. While not all states have adopted this model yet, it is certainly the most widely used.
In the U.S., the federal government has not yet exercised its constitutional preemption power to regulate blockchain. In general, financial regulation falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government. While the federal government does not regulate this technology, individual states may introduce their own regulations. In fact, New York became the first state to regulate virtual currency companies in the United States. Other states have already passed legislations accepting bitcoin or promoting blockchain. While this is still a relatively young industry, the first state to regulate it is New York.
Some states are already implementing Blockchain Laws. These regulations can range from task forces to full legislation. Some states are already regulating the technology through their own regulations. For example, the Tennessee blockchain law says that some cryptocurrencies are not subject to securities law. While this is a bit paradoxical, other states are working to create laws to protect the technology. Some states are enacting their own legislations on the blockchain. Regardless of the state of residence, Blockchain Laws should be a part of a comprehensive legal framework for the future of the cryptocurrency market.
The European Union has generally welcomed blockchain technology, and recently passed formal legislation to regulate the technology. The 5AMLD legislation, which is a set of standards for crypto-assets, makes it the first time that virtual currency owners are subject to regulation in the EU. It also calls for greater transparency regarding crypto-asset owners. Moreover, it proposes that EU member states should create central databases of users of virtual currencies that would enable financial intelligence units to access them.
In addition to federal and local regulations, many states have adopted their own blockchain laws. The French government has passed a law that allows over-the-counter trading of financial instruments on the blockchain. This legislation is a bit more complex than its counterparts, and requires lawyers to have an understanding of the technology and the laws that govern it. While it may not be mandatory, it is a significant step in the development of the industry. It will also help prevent a number of legal challenges and encourage a greater use of the technology.
While a few states have adopted blockchain laws, others have yet to enact them. Some have not passed these laws yet, but are planning to do so in the near future. Those who are considering implementing a blockchain law should research the proposed regulations and their impact on the industry. In the meantime, businesses should take the lead. After all, these laws will be beneficial to their own business and their clients. It will also help ensure a level playing field for companies involved in this new technology.
